Champs make basketball semi-finals

DEFENDING champions Saints and Sparks have booked spots in the knockout stages of the National Easter Basketball Championships.

Saints remained undefeated in the pool stages recording four wins to book a spot in the men's quarter-final while Sparks looked on track to defend its women's title by confirming a semi-final spot.

Raiwaqa women's champions Neptune Dynamic Redz looked in good form and have also advanced to the semi-finals. The Redz, coached by former national basketball rep Peniasi Kainamoli, is one of the top two teams from Pool A while Sparks heads Pool B.

Boston White, the Raiwaqa men's champion, also confirmed a quarter-final spot, having won four pool matches.

Saints, led by national men's basketball skipper Leonard Whippy, remain favourite to defend their title despite the challenge from Boston White.

Coached by former national rep Saula Koroi, Boston White built its reputation in the Raiwaqa Basketball League over the past seasons.

Whippy and his Saints should be on their toes if they want to defend the title for another season.